FDA authorizes CLiK Extra for NWS prevention 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for CLiK Extra, allowing the wound spray to be used to help prevent New World screwworm infestations in livestock and certain wildlife. 

The authorization, announced Aug. 7, covers cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and camelids, as well as certain captive and captured wildlife species. The authorization comes as federal and state officials are working to prevent the spread of NWS, a flesh-eating parasitic fly. 

CLiK Extra, which contains the active ingredient dicyclanil, is a pyrimidine-derived insect growth regulator that interrupts larval development, helping prevent female NWS flies from establishing infestations. 

The FDA says the product can be applied on or around wounds associated with calving or lambing, surgical procedures, castration, dehorning, ear tagging, tail docking, shearing, and other fresh wounds. 

Unlike insecticides designed to kill existing larvae, CLiK Extra works by interrupting larval development before the parasites mature and begin damaging living tissue. The product does not treat active infestations. 

The authorization also allows CLiK Extra to be used on certain captive and captured wildlife, including deer and elk, American bison, bighorn sheep, and Sonoran pronghorn. 

The FDA advises producers to contact a veterinarian for appropriate treatment options if animals already have NWS larvae or become infested after treatment. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the emergency authorization provides producers with another prevention option. 

“Today’s emergency use authorization provides a new tool for preventing the spread of New World screwworm infestations, and we will continue to work to combat this threatening pest,” he said. 

CLiK Extra is available over the counter under the terms of the emergency authorization. The FDA said the product has not received full FDA approval or conditional approval for these uses and is being made available under emergency authority because of the threat posed by NWS. 

The authorization will remain in effect until it is revoked or until the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ends the public health emergency declaration supporting emergency authorization of animal drugs for NWS. The FDA advises users to review the product label and food safety guidance before applying the product. 

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].